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CONSERVATION GUIDELINE FOR MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS (MAPs) IN LEBANON

GEF-UNDP-LARI, 2013. Conservation guideline for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon. Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Production Processes in Lebanon Project. Funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI), Beirut.

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BACKGROUND

This technical document was produced with the framework of the project “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Production Processes in Lebanon”, funded by the Global Environment Facility, and executed by the Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute and the UNDP, in coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. The project objective was to integrate conservation objectives into gathering, processing and marketing of globally significant medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP).

The project worked on both a macro level (national scale) and a micro level (pilot sites scale). On the national front the project actively sought to develop and strengthen the enabling environment for sustainable use of MAPs. The project identified regulatory gaps and constraints that had implications for sustainable utilization and value chain of MAP resources. Accordingly, several strategic interventions were implemented on the institutional framework. On the pilot site level, the project worked in four sites (Mejdel-Akkar, Assia-Batroun, Hsarat-Jbiel and Mrusti-Chouf). These four pilot sites were considered as experimental sites for developing sustainable harvesting standards, for developing and implementing value-added processing and product improvement, for MAP based product marketing and sales and for certification and branding. The pilot sites informed the regulative framework (through scientific findings with respect to sustainable harvest standards), informed MAP business development at the national level and they showcased how to increase the profitability of commercial MAP products.

The project focused on seven target MAP species: Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Origanum ehrenbergii, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Viola libanotica and Clinopodium libanoticum. The species were selected

based on their endemism (regional or national), estimated volume of commercial trade (domestic and international), and perceived decline in wild-collected populations. Four of these target species (Origanum syriacum, Origanum ehrenbergii, Althaea damascena, and Cyclotrichium origanifolium) are regional or national endemic species that were selected based on expert opinion that direct harvest pressure (intentional collection of the species for existing markets) is a factor contributing to decline in resource availability in Lebanon. Two of these target species (Viola libanotica and Clinopodium libanoticum) are endemic to Lebanon and were selected based on expert opinion that these species could be endangered by indirect (unintentional) collection of wild populations because of their resemblance to the commercially important congeneric species V. odorata and M. myrtifolia (syn. juliana). The seventh target species (Salvia fruticosa) is a regional endemic species selected based on the large existing commercial wild-collection and observed negative impacts of wild harvest of this species on other more vulnerable species.

Lebanon benefits from a rich biodiversity of more than 4,500 plant species, 2,863 of which considered native and an endemism rate of 12%. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) represent an important part of the natural wealth in Lebanon. There are more than 300 MAP species found and utilized in Lebanon tens of which are endemic. MAPs provide additional sources of income for rural communities across the country as there is a long tradition of using MAPs as raw material for traditional remedies, recipes, handcrafts, essential oil and distilled water.

The MAP sector in Lebanon suffers from three different challenges but equally damaging. The first two challenges are directly linked with the wild MAPs which currently supply the majority of the MAP

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market. First, the heightened demand for some MAP species has been met by unsustainable harvesting which has and will continue to have significant impact on the long term survival of these species. Second, habitat loss, damage and fragmentation as well as fires and climate change have and will continue to place significant threat and pressure on the wild MAP resource. The third challenge is the lack of management knowledge for many species because despite the immense value of MAP for Lebanon, only few species have been properly investigated and studies from an ecological, social and economic dimensions and also very few have been valorized and integrated into full market chains. Lebanon requires an effective strategy for medicinal and aromatic plants which directs management actions on a species by species level in one or several directions including wild harvesting, cultivation, and conservation.

The GEF-UNDP-LARI project “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Management into Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Production Processes in Lebanon” has developed and implemented a step by step approach for conserving and managing seven targeted medicinal and aromatic plants. The project’s experience and tools developed can serve a piloted guideline to be expanded and adopted to all MAPs in Lebanon. This document provides a schematic representation of the recommended approach for managing MAPs in Lebanon with tools developed and implemented by the project that provide technical support for each step outlines. The last section of this document includes a detailed conservation guideline for the seven project target MAP species.

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SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDED APPROACH FOR MANAGING MAPS IN LEBANON

Step 3: Assess Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting

Assess if wild harvesting of the plant does jeopardizing its existence in the wild

Yes

Step 1: Assess and identify Potential Use

Determine the plants use and parts used through: (i) literature review, (ii) enthnobotanical assessments and (ii) lab analysis (chemical, morphological, anatomical)

Identified Wild plant

No

Step 2: Assess Market Potential

Identify the most commercially important MAPs for both domestic and international markets based on studies and market investigations

Yes

Wild harvesting Cultivation

Yes No

No

Further investigation for conservation and

management upon availability of resources

1. Conserve wild gene bank

2. Capacity building for cultivation

3. Business development and impletion

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RECOMMENDED PROJECT REFERENCE FOR EACH STEP OF THE PROPOSED APPROACH FOR MANAGING MAPS IN LEBANON

STEP POTENTIAL CONCERNED/ INTERESTED ENTITY

REFERENCE PROJECT OUTPUT

Potential Use Assessment

• Government • MAP based product

companies • Research institutions • Cooperatives • CBE’s

1. Categorized list of the most important wild medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon

Market Potential Assessment

• Government • Companies • Cooperatives • CBE’s

1. Categorized list of the most important wild Lebanese medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) 2. International market study for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Alcea sps, Micromeria sps, Origanum sps, Satureia sps, Thymus sps, Viola sps, Thymbra spicata, Salvia fruticosa, Cyclotrichium origanifolium)

Suitability for sustainable wild

harvesting Assessment

• Government • NGO • Research institutions

3. Assessment of suitability for sustainable wild harvesting for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica, Clinopodium libanoticum)

Assessment and Monitoring


4. National distribution surveys, mapping and population assessments for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica, Clinopodium libanoticum, Thymbra spicata, Satureja thymbra) 5. Monographs for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica, Clinopodium libanoticum) 6. Salvia fruticosa “sage” population and species characteristics under wild conditions in Lebanon

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7. Origanum syriacum “Oregano” population and species characteristics under wild conditions in Lebanon

Conservation and Management


8. Developing sustainable wild harvesting standards for Salvia fruticosa “sage” and Origanum syriacum “Oregano” in Lebanon 9. Developing sustainable wild harvesting standards for Laurus nobilis in Lebanon 10. Legal study on the existing institutional and legislative framework that affects the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector in Lebanon 11. Establishing national standard for “Zaatar” in Lebanon 12. Draft IUCN Redlist conservation assessment reports for selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Lebanon (Salvia fruticosa, Origanum syriacum, Althaea damascena, Cyclotrichium origanifolium, Origanum ehrenbergii, Viola libanotica, Clinopodium libanoticum) • Ministerial decision (179/1, 2012) and permit for the wild harvesting, transport and trade

of sage and oregano in Lebanon • Draft decree for medicinal and aromatic plants conservation and management in

Lebanon • Lebanese national standard (LIBNOR) for Salvia fruticosa

Capacity Building and Awareness Raising

• Government • NGO • Research institutions • Schools • General public • Companies • Cooperatives • CBE’s

13. Sustainable wild harvesting training material for Salvia fruticosa “sage” and Origanum syriacum “Oregano” in Lebanon • “To keep on harvesting sage and oregano”: Training documentary on sustainable wild

harvesting in Lebanon • Illustrated guideline for best practices in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs)

harvesting and post harvesting • Illustrated identification guide for selected medicinal and aromatic (MAPs) plants in

Lebanon

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• Selected medicinal and aromatic plants within the Medicinal plants project in Lebanon brochure

• Origanum syriacum “Oregano” brochure

Business development and implementation

• Government • NGO • Companies • Cooperatives • CBE’s

14. Management planning for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) community based enterprises in Lebanon 15. Management of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) community based enterprises with special emphasis on marketing and sales 16. Good Hygiene practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training material for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) 17. Cultivation feasibility based on Origanum syriacum “Oregano” cultivation demonstration plots • Enterprise/cooperative management plans for the four project pilot sites (Mejdel, Assia,

Hsarat, Mrusti) • Business plan for Origanum syriacum “Oregano” community based enterprises • Business plan for Salvia fruticosa “Sage” community based enterprises • Business plans for the four project pilot sites (Mejdel, Assia, Hsarat, Mrusti)

Monitoring and adaptive management


18. Guideline for developing national management and monitoring plans for medicinal and aromatic plant in Lebanon: Case studies: Salvia fruticosa “sage” and Origanum syriacum “Oregano”

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CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Origanum syriacum Origanum syriacum

Plant

Latin name Origanum syriacum L Synonyms Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin, Origanum maru auct. Lebanese vernacular

name

Zūbā'; Za'atar مناقيش او زوباع زعتر

Other species included in the

vernacular name

What is collectively known as Za’atar in Lebanon refers to several species from the genus Origanum, Thymus, Satureja and Thymbra.

Common name(s)

Eng. Wild Marjoram, Biblical Hyssop, Lebanese Oregano, Syrian Oregano Fr. Hyssop of the Bible Germ. Echter Staudenmajoram, Syrischer Ysop

Description (type and size of the plant) and photo of

the target plant

• Type: Perennial, dense, woody base sub shrub • Flowering: Mainly May-July but could extend until December • Height: average 80 cm • Scent: Highly Odoriferous phenolic “Zaatar” smell (mainly

Thymol/carvacrol) • Stem: Grayish, hairy and erect • Leaves: Grayish, ovate, thick, hairy • Inflorescence: Terminal dense oblong spike • Flower: White • Additional Info: Entomophilous & Melliferous • Hybrids: three hybrids: O. barbaræ = O. syriacum x O.

ehrenbergii, O. symeonis = O.syriacum x O. laevigatum and O. adonidis = O. syriacum x O. libanoticum

Identification problems

In the field, it can be confused with Origanum ehrenbergii, an endemic species primarily found on sandy soils under pine forest. Hybrids of O syriacum and O ehrenbergii can also create some confusion in the field.

Potential use assessment

Use (scale and

trend)

Leaves and flowers of O. syriacum are used widely as a food, flavour, and seasoning ingredient in the traditional cuisine in Lebanon and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Dried, they are a principal ingredient of Za'atar, used in Lebanon and exported globally as a topping for breads (Mankousheh). Fresh shoots are used in salads (Fattouch) or as a fresh topping on baked breads (Ftyreh). Extracts, essential oils, and volatile oils from leaves and flowers are used as food flavourings, in clinically

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Origanum syriacum

supported treatments for respiratory and bronchial problems, and as disinfectants in oral pharmaceuticals. In infusions Za’atar is used traditionally to stimulate memory, as an analgesic and sedative, as a remedy for cold, flu and cough, respiratory problems, hypotension, and to treat a wide range of stomach and intestinal problems. Za’atar is also used externally in emollients and antiseptic ointments.

Plant part(s) collected

Entire shoot (leaves & flowers)

Plant part(s) used / Potential end products

Leaves and flowers • Dried pure • Seasoning • Dried zaatar mix which includes sesame, sumac, salt

etc. • Infusion • Distilled water • Essential oil

Tender shoots • Salads and baked local pies

Essential oil yield and

profile

Phenological stage National Date range Average Yield % Pre-flowering January-April 1.95% Full bloom May-July 3.4% Seed set August – September 2.2% Post seed October-December 1.8%

The following 18 compounds constitute 90% of the essential oil. Additional 16 unidentified compounds constitute the remaining 10% of the oil.

Thymol Carvacrol Gamma terpinene Alpha terpinene Cymene Beta myrcene Caryophyllene Thujone Alpha thujene Alpha pinene

Alpha phellanderene Limoneme Eucalyptol Alpha caryophyllene Caryophyllene oxide Beta.-phellandrene Beta.-pinene Camphene

Plant stage

Pre-

flow

erin

g

Flow

erin

g Seed

set

Post

se

ed s

et

Plant part distilled

Leav

es

Leav

es &

flo

wer

s

Leav

es &

flo

wer

s

Leav

es

Thymol 30.58 19.50 29.68 14.60 Carvacrol 33.31 55.61 41.67 36.40 Cymene 13.08 7.63 13.28 31.49

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Origanum syriacum

Alpha terpineme 1.87 1.43 1.62 0.53 Gamma terpinene 11.29 5.72 5.73 4.28 Caryophyllene 2.60 2.32 2.79 1.34 Beta myrcene 1.10 1.10 1.03 0.75 Thymol + carvacrol

63.38 75.11 71.36 51.00

Use potential High

Market potential assessment

Trade (scale and trend)

The production of O. syriacum is mainly consumed nationally both as dry pure material and as a zaatar mix. Bakeries that produce the traditional Mankoushy is considered the biggest consumer of O. syriacum. In 2008 the Lebanese export trade value for dried oregano herbs, zaatar mix, and oregano infusion herbs was approximately USD 1.9 million. In 2011 the size of this market was USD 2.4 million (20% increase in 3 years) Pure oregano Lebanese production of wild harvested O. syriacum varies annually between 700 Tons and 800 Tons of dried material Import/export The pure Oregano exports represent approximately 25% of the herbal exprts ( HS 091099) Mixed Zaatar Lebanon mainly exports Zaatar Mix to KSA, USA, Canada and Australia in the decresing order. Lebanon mainly imports Zaatar Mix from Syria (more than 70%) and Jordan (20%). In 2011, Lebanon exported USD 1,285,934 (561 Tons) of Zaatar Mix, representing an annual average increase of 9% in terms of value and an annual average decrease of 2% in terms of volume since 2008. Lebanese Zaatar Mix imports rose by more than 14.4% since 2008, reaching 171 Tons in 2011. Oregano infusions Lebanese herbal Infusion producers, exported volumes of Oregano infusions reached 7 Tons in 2011 representing only 0.74% of the exported aromatic plants detailed under HS 121190 while the local consumption is estimated at only 0.5 Ton. Oregano essential oil & distilled water Lebanese exports of Oregano Oil represents less than 1% of the total essential oil exports. Lebanese production of Oregano distilled water is estimated to be 5,000 liters per year

Market potential /

value added

There is both incentive and commercial potential to formalize and expand production. If significantly higher amounts of this species could be sustainably harvested from the wild or cultivated, new innovative products for the regional markets as well as for export promotion could be envisaged. A really interesting product concept could be a Lebanese brand

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Origanum syriacum of the Za'atar mix using Origanum syriacum, among other local herbs special to Lebanon (e.g. Satureja thymbra or Thymbra spicata), with sesame seeds and Mediterranean sea salt. If the condiment mix carried Organic Wild and FairTrade or FairWild logo designations along with a Lebanese geo-authentic branding, this could be very interesting for the natural, organic and ethical trade markets of Europe and North America.

National quality and trade standard

Draft standard NL 677 currently being updated (LIBNOR)

International quality and

trade standard

No known quality standards or trade specification in: • Australia • Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulgare) • EU • India • Switzerland • USA (Origanum oil, Spanish oil from Thymus capitatus &

various Organum spp) & Oleoresin origanum

Regulatory framework,

market access and

requirements for export

Does not expressly appear on any national positive lists of any of the selected counties. Some lists, however, non-specifically allow Origanum spp. which would indicate the allowance to import and use this species as generic “oregano” in food products. This is indeed the case for Canada and the United States, both of which permit any species of Origanum to be used under the common name “oregano. • Australia (O. majorana & O. vulgare) • Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare) • EU (Origanum cretium, Origanum heracleoticum, Origanum

majorana, Origanum vulgare) • India (O. majorana) • South Africa • Switzerland (O. majorana & O. vulagare) • USA (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum;

syn.: Origanum heracleoticum auct. non. L.) Market potential High Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

Low risk (based on 2010 version) Low risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)

Recommended production method

Wild harvesting and cultivation

Habitat and Ecology under wild

conditions

Geographic distribution

Common in the Levantine region (Southern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine) and less common in Cyprus and Egypt (Sinai).

National distribution

In Lebanon, it has a continuous north-south distribution between 200 and 1600 m asl on west-facing slopes of the Mount Lebanon mountain chain where it is widely spread. Its distribution becomes more scarce in the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon and becomes really rare in the internal parts of the country to being completely absent in the Bekaa agricultural plain Estimated to occupy approximately 880 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 2,800 km2

Habitat Description

Widely spread across different habitats between 200 and 1600 m asl on west facing slopes of the Mount Lebanon chain

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Origanum syriacum (Type,

specificity) Wooded land (clear wooded land, scrubland, and burnt wooded land), grassland (dense grassland, clear grassland), and unproductive areas (bare soils) in Thermomediterranean, Eumediterranean, Supramediterranean and Mountainous Mediterranean vegetation levels

Development stages

The plant is suffrutescent with an annual seasonal cycle. It starts vegetative annual growth from the woody base parts during early spring with the development of the tender shoots. Flowering is initiated during April. Full blooming occurs between May and July. Later the species shifts to slow growth with secondary blooming appearing under Mediterranean climate until the first significant rains of the autumn. This seasonality is allowing one main harvest during summer. The plant experiences a main blooming phase followed by the emergence of late blooming of lateral stems thereafter

Phenological stage National Date range Pre-flowering January-April Full bloom May-July Seed set August – September Post seed set October-December

National population

characteristics (Estimated

size, density, size or age-

class structure)

Estimated population size: 100,000,000 individuals Average national plant density: 0.22 plants/m2 Average national plant density for harvestable sites: 0.44 plants/m2 Plant size class is based on the number of shoots Percent contribution of different plant size class based on number of shoots/plant

Size class 0 (herbaceous): 0.00 % Size class 1 (1-15 shoots): 44.42 % Size class 2 (16-30 shoots): 31.57 % Size class 3 (16-30 shoots): 14 % Size class 4 (46-60 shoots): 7.91 % Size class 5 (61-75 shoots): 1.72 % Size class 6 (76-90 shoots): 0.23 % Size class 7 (91-105 shoots): 0.03 % Size class 8 (106-120 shoots): 0.10 %

Seed production

• Average 12,855 seeds/plant • Average 51,292,000 seeds/ha • Average 4 kg of seeds/ha

Percent weight contribution of different plant parts

Fresh Dry Stem

s Leave

s Inflorescen

ce Stem

s Leave

s Inflorescen

ce 37% 33% 30% 39% 29% 32%

Average % Net dry weight of leaves and flowers from fresh weight of whole shoot

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Origanum syriacum

• Outside harvesting window (February-May): 20% • Within harvesting window (June-October): 30%

Average fresh whole shoot biomass (stems + leaves + Inflorescence) from harvestable sites: 26 g/m2 Average dry marketable biomass (leaves and flowers) from harvestable sites: 7 g/m2

Reproduction (vegetative or by seeds, type of pollination)

• Bisexual flowers • Mainly insect pollinated • Population regenerates only through seeds • Seed dispersal occurs at the onset of the first rains in

Autumn

Population Regeneration

• Estimated germination rate: 0.08% • Estimated survival rate (1 summer age): 14% • Estimated survival rate (1 year age): 9.5% • Estimated survival rate (2 summers age): 9.5%


Threats (causes and

impact)

Early and overharvesting: This species is the most heavily harvested and traded wild plant in Lebanon. Collectors and traders report increasing competition for this resource resulting in increasing harvest intensity and less sustainable practices, including early and repeated cutting of all new shoots (before seed set and dispersal). These practices likely reduce population regeneration potential. Habitat loss and damage: The stony, calcareous grassland and degraded forest habitat of this species is declining in area under expansion of industry (e.g., quarries and mines), urban growth, and agricultural intensification (e.g, orchards, terrace field crops, nomadic grazing). Invasive and problematic species also reduce the habitat suitability. Fire intensity and frequency is increasing in these habitats. Climate change: Vulnerability to climate change may be a concern as well especially due to drought and increased frequency of fires.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List Assessment: Near threatened (NT), (IUCN version 3.1)

Conservation Actions In-

Place

Wild collection and export of O. syriacum from Lebanon are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012). Time and method of harvest are controlled through a collection approval and permit system implemented by the Directorate of Rural Development and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture. The species distribution appears to overlap with several protected areas (Bentael Nature Reserve, Jabal Moussa UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, and Jabal al Rihane UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve. Several sites identified by Radford et al. (2011) as potential Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (but not yet designated as such) are likely to include sub-populations of O. syriacum. Contribution of these sites to conservation of O. syriacum depends on better information about presence of this species in these sites and adequate protection of viable subpopulations within existing or new protected areas.

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Origanum syriacum

Ex situ accessions of this species are reported in botanic garden and seed bank collections (Plant Search 2013, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Seed Information Database 2008). Cultivation of this species on a commercial scale in Lebanon may rely heavily on transplanting wild-sourced young individuals. However, a seed system is developed and many nurseries are producing seedling upon demand for cultivation.

Conservation Actions Needed

Resource & habitat protection: Inclusion of viable subpopulations in protected areas; protection of wild collection sites from habitat conversion and degradation Site/area Management: Implementation of management plans in areas important for wild collection Harvest management: Implementation of good collection practice guidelines Trade management: Reinforcement of area and resource management through the national trade permit system Ex-situ conservation: Development of viable seed and nursery stock to support a commercial scale of cultivation Ex-situ Conservation: Ex-situ conservation of in-situ genetic diversity Awareness &Communications: Capacity building for local collectors, cooperatives, resource managers and consumers National level legislation: Implementation of the permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012) Policies and regulations: Implementation of permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012) Private sector standards & codes: Implementation of sustainable wild collection standard through certification National level Compliance and enforcement: Enforcement of national permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012) Livelihood, economic & other incentives: Promotion of increased local benefits for collectors and cooperatives from implementation of good collection practice guidelines and management plans

Research / Monitoring

Needed

Research: • Population size, distribution, trends and regeneration

characteristics: Confirm and expand baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project

• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Contribution of wild harvest of this species to local and national economy

• Threats: Confirmation / review of main threats identified • Area-based Management Plan: Presence of this species

in protected areas; review and adjustment of management plans in pilot sites; expansion to new sites

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Origanum syriacum

• Harvest &Trade Management Plan: Review whether a national permit system is effective as a harvest and trade management tool for wild collection of this species

• Yield and profile variability of the essential oil: according to season, geographic variation, wild and cultivation

• Variety selection: Focus on specific chemotype for targeted industry and use

Monitoring • Population trends: Trends in population structure and

density • Harvest level trends: Trend in harvest volume as an

indicator of sustainable levels of wild harvest • Trade trends: Volumes of wild vs cultivated material in

trade; domestic vs international trade as indicators of wild resource management

• Habitat trends: Rate of habitat conversion, decline throughout species range in Lebanon

National Management

plan or strategy in

place

Promotion of domestication and regulation of wild harvesting

Recommended National

Management objectives

• Maintain or increase productivity of wild-harvested populations

• Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material • Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable

harvest practices • Increase income generation for local communities from

value-added locally produced MAP products • Increase quality controlled, sustainably harvested

MAP products that are certified and branded • Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between

communities) resource access and benefits • Increase community-based management of wild-

collected resources


Monitoring Indicators

• Changes in market supply (national, international) • Changes in market demand (national, international) • Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring sites) • Change in national distribution • Implementation of good collection practice

Recommended practice for sustainable

wild collection

• A harvesting permit is required from Ministry of Agriculture • Allowed harvesting time Beginning of June-End of October • Leave 1/3 of main flowering stems of each harvested plant to

guarantee sufficient seed amount for plant regeneration in the site situ

• Harvested once per season • Cut between 10-15 cm above ground • No uprooting • Use sharp cutting equipment to avoid uprooting • Avoid cutting in very hot and windy conditions

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CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Salvia fruticosa Salvia fruticosa

Plant

Latin name Salvia fruticosa Mill.

Synonyms Salvia triloba L. fil., Salvia libanotica Boiss. Et gaill.

Lebanese vernacular

name(s)

Kassiin, Maryamiyeh, Kouwaysseh, Ayzakan


vernacular name

None

Common name(s)

Eng. Sage, Three-lobed Sage, Greek or Turkish Sage, Trifoliated sage Fr. Sauge trilobee; Germ. Griechischer Salbei, Greek Phaskos, Alyphaskia Turkish Adacayi, adacay of Izmir, elma yagi Spain “Salvia real” ou “sabia real”


the target plant

• Type: Perennial, large sub-shrub with multiple woody stems • Flowering: February-June • Height: 0.5 - 1m • Scent: Highly Odoriferous • Stem: Thick, canescent, woolly • Leaves: Velvety gray-green three-lobed leaves, tomentous

on both sides • Inflorescence: Short-branched panicle, erect, viscid, 15 cm.

whorls 4-6 flowered • Flower: Violet pale (or pink), Calyx hispid, viscous, 0.8 cm,

Corolla, 2-3 times longer than calyx • An entomophile and honey plant


• In literature and in the market, can be confused with Salvia officinalis

• In the field can be confused with Phlomis fruticosa


Use (scale and trend)

Use of S. fruticosa as a medicine in the Mediterranean region likely predates 1400 B.C. (Rivera et al. 1994). This species is not now widely used in Lebanon, where dried leaves are traditionally used on a small scale in infusions and distilled water as traditional treatments for stomach problems. In Southern Lebanon, branches of wild sage are burned at gravesites, having an association with death and loss that may explain why its medicinal and culinary uses are limited in that country.

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Salvia fruticosa Numerous medicinal uses are reported in pharmacopoeias and traditional systems of medicine. Taken as an infusion or otherwise orally, S. fruticosa is considered to have many medicinal properties, including hemostatic, antiseptic, sedative, stomachic and carminative (to treat intestinal disorders), antitussive, antispasmodic (to relax muscular spasms and cramps), hypoglycaemic, antirheumatic and lithocarpic (to remove kidney stones), antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic. Extractions are used as a gargle for mouth diseases, and in ointments to heal wounds and skin infections, and to treat neurological disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. Dried leaves and essential oil of this species are widely used in the food industry as seasonings, flavourings, and antioxidants.


Entire shoot with or without flowers


Leaves • Dried • Seasoning • Infusion • Distilled water • Essential oil

Essential oil yield and

profile

Phenological stage

Date range Average Yield %

Pre-flowering January-February 0.70 % Flowering March-April 0.60% Seed set May-June 1.0% Post seed set July-September 2.0% Post seed set October-December 1.5%

The following 19 compounds constitute 85% of the essential oil. Additional 14 unidentified compounds constitute the remaining 15% of the oil.

• Alpha thujene • Camphene • Beta phellandrene • Beta myrcene • Alpha terpinene • Cymene • Limonene • Gamma terpinene • Alpha phellandrene • Thymol • Carvacrol

• Alpha terpineol • Thujone • 1,8-cineole

(eucalyptol) • Caryophyllene • Beta pinene • Alpha pinene • Alpha

caryophyllene • Caryophyllene

oxide

Plant stage

Pre-

flow

erin

g

Flow

erin

g

Seed

Set

Post

see

d se

t

Post

see

d se

t

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Salvia fruticosa Plant part extracted

Leav

es

Leav

es

Leav

es

Leav

es

Leav

es

1,8- cineole (eucalyptol)

41.31 37.75 45.97 51.83 31.71

Caryophyllene 15.03 20.45 21.58 11.51 3.42 Beta pinene 8.97 7.58 8.53 7.89 17.24 Alpha pinene 5.53 5.23 4.71 5.66 12.09 Alpha caryophyllene

4.60 2.99 3.54 3.60 2.93

Caryophyllene oxide

2.20 3.27 1.43 1.18 0.20

% contribution of thujone to total oil

1.16 1.65 1.32 1.73 1.29

Use potential High



Lebanese production of wild harvested Sage varies annually between 600 Tons and 800 Tons of dried material. Lebanon exports approximately all the produced dried sage (600 to 800 Tons per year). This figure contradicts the average 450 Tons documented by Lebanese exports. Therefore, the majority of the sage exports is done without passing by the customs to Jordan and Palestine via Syria. Pure sage is also exported to the Gulf countries The Lebanese Exports of Sage Oil represents less than 1% of the total essential oil exports. According to data gathered from local cooperatives, Lebanese production of Sage distilled water is estimated to be 12,500 liters per year.

Market potential /

value added

There is both incentive and commercial potential to formalize and expand production. The ability of Lebanon to reach new markets beyond its current main customers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen and Turkey, could be possible but dependant on a range of factors. Processed Botanical Raw Materials

• Food grade dried leaf, whole, cut & sifted, ground, tea-bag-cut or powdered; conventional or with certifications (e.g. certified organic wild and/or FairWild certified).

• Pharmacopoeial grade dried leaf (e.g. Salviae trilobae folium PhEur); whole or cut; conventional or with certifications (e.g. certified organic wild and/or FairWild certified).

Extracts and Oils • “Salvia Triloba Leaf Extract” marketed for use in cosmetic

products for antimicrobial, astringent and oral care functions.

• “Sage Triloba CO2 Extract” marketed for use in cosmetics and in perfumery, i.e. mouth water, tooth paste, shampoos, soaps etc., as well as potential uses in food and pharmaceutical products.

• Sage essential oil. • Sage distilled water.

Finished Products in Retail Packs

19 | P a g e

Salvia fruticosa • A Lebanese brand of the Unani Medicine herbal tea

formulation “Zahraa” that is presently available in Syria. This formulation contains some of the prioritized Lebanese species including three-lobed sage leaf.

• A Lebanese brand of a three-lobed sage leaf single herb tea infusion product packed in filter teabags in cartons.

• A Lebanese brand of Spice Seasoning Mix that contains three-lobed sage leaf.

• A Lebanese brand of three-lobed sage leaf as a single-herb spice.

National quality and

trade standard

LIBNOR standard for Salvia fruticosa ssp. libanotica” issued in 2012 (Reference Number 542).

International quality and

trade standard

• Australia (Salvia fruticosa) • Canada (Salvia officinalis L., Salvia triloba L. or Salvia

lavandulaefolia) • EU Pharmacopoeial quality standard (Salvia fructicosa,

Three-Lobed Sage Leaf) • India (no standards for any spp.) • Switzerland (no standards for any spp.) • USA (Salvia sclarea Salvia officinalis Salvia lavandulaefolia

Salvia hispanorium

Regulatory framework, market access and requirements for export

Salvia fruticosa appears on many national positive lists of the selected counties. • Australia (Salvia fruticosa, Salvia chinensis, Salvia hispanica,

Salvia hispanorium, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Salvia officinalis, and Salvia sclarea)

• Canada (Salvia hispanica Salvia lavandulaefolia Salvia sclarea Salvia officinalis Salvia triloba Salvia lavandulaefolia)

• EU (Salvia triloba Salvia divinorum Salvia lavendulifolia Salvia officinalis Salvia sclarea)

• India (Salvia aegyptiaca Salvia haematodes Salvia plebeia Salvia sclarea Salvia moorcroftiana)

• South Africa (other species of Salvia) • Switzerland (Salvia triloba, Salviae trilobae folium) • USA (Salvia triloba, Salvia fruticosa)

Market potential High Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

Low risk (based on 2010 version) Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)

Recommended production method Wild harvesting and cultivation


conditions


East Mediterranean region (Italy, Cyprus, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Palestine, Syria, Libya) but seems to reach the highest distribution abundance and density in Lebanon


Western slopes of the mount Lebanon chain distributed from sea level up to 800m a.s.l. Estimated to occupy between 80-230 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 1400 km2

Habitat Description (Type, specificity)

Wooded land (clear wooded land, scrubland, and burnt wooded land), grassland (dense grassland, clear grassland), and unproductive areas (bare soils) in Thermomediterranean and Eumediterranean vegetation levels at elevations 0–800 m asl in Lebanon. Mainly found in Mediterranean open woodland maquis/garrigue, on different stony slopes mainly limestone and marl. Found in habitats of varying degree of

20 | P a g e

Salvia fruticosa degradation of the Mediterranean climax vegetation.

Development stages

The plant is suffrutescent with an annual seasonal cycle which begins with at the woody base parts during early spring with the development of the tender shoots. Flowering is initiated during March-April. After which the plant shifts to slow growth without a secondary blooming wave under Mediterranean climate until the first significant rains of the autumn where the vegetative growth reaccelerate again. This seasonality allows for one main harvest.

Phenological stage National Date range Pre-flowering January-February Flowering March-April Seed set May-June Post seed set July-September

National population

characteristics (Estimated size, density, size or

age-class structure)

Estimated population size: 126,000,000 Average national plant density for harvestable sites: 1.8 plants/m2 Plant size class is based on the number of shoots Percent contribution of different plant size class based on number of shoots/plant

Size class 0 (herbaceous): 8.13 % Size class 1 (1-15 shoots): 60.16 % Size class 2 (16-30 shoots): 19.05 % Size class 3 (31-45 shoots): 8.92 % Size class 4 (46-60 shoots): 3.36 % Size class 5 (60-80 shoots): 0.38 %

Seed production

• Average 193 seeds/plant • Average 4,00,000 seeds/ha • Average 27 kg of seeds/ha

Percent weight contribution of different plant parts

Fresh Dry

Stem

s

Leav

es

Inflo

resc

ence

Stem

s

Leav

es

Inflo

resc

ence

19% 73% 8% 20% 71% 9% % Net dry weight of leaves from fresh weight of whole shoot

• February-May: 27% • June-October: 36%

Average fresh whole shoot biomass: 19 g/m2 Average dry leaves biomass: 6 g/m2

Reproduction (vegetative or by

seeds, type of pollination)

• Bisexual flowers • Mainly insect pollinated • Population regenerates only through seeds

21 | P a g e

Salvia fruticosa


• Estimated germination rate: : 0.27% • Estimated survival rate (1 summer age): 35% • Estimated survival rate (1 year age): 18% • Estimated survival rate (2 summers age): 16.7%


Threats (causes and impact)

Early and overharvesting: This species has been wild-harvested throughout its eastern Mediterranean range for centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. In recent years in Lebanon, export demand for the aromatic leaves has increased substantially, as has competition amongst commercial collectors of this resource, resulting in increasing harvest intensity and less sustainable practices, including early cutting of all new shoots (before flowering, seed set and dispersal). Habitat loss and damage: The stony, calcareous grassland and degraded forest habitat of this species is declining in area under expansion of agriculture (e.g, orchards and terrace field crops); industry (e.g., quarries and mines), and urban growth. Invasive and problematic species also reduce the habitat suitability. Fire intensity and frequency is increasing in these habitats. Climate change: Vulnerability to climate change may be a concern as well especially due to drought and increased frequency of fires.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List Assessment: Near threatened (NT), (IUCN version 3.1)

Conservation Actions In-Place

Wild collection and export of S. fruticosa from Lebanon are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012). Time and method of harvest are controlled through a collection approval and permit system implemented by the Directorate of Rural Development and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture. The species distribution appears to overlap with several protected areas (Bentael Nature Reserve, Jabal Moussa UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve,and Jabal al Rihane UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserv Reserve, Jabal Moussa UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, Shouf UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve, and Jabal al Rihane UNESCOMAB Biosphere Reserve. Several sites identified by Radford et al. (2011) as potential Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (but not yet designated as such) are likely to include sub-populations of S. fruticosa. Contribution of these sites to conservation of S. fruticosa depends on better information about presence of this species in these sites and adequate protection of viable subpopulations within existing or new protected areas. Ex situ accessions of this species are reported in botanic garden and seed bank collections (Plant Search 2013, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Seed Information Database 2008).


• Resource &habitat protection: Inclusion of viable subpopulations in protected areas; protection of wild-collection sites from habitat conversion and degradation

• Site/area management: Implementation of

22 | P a g e

Salvia fruticosa management plans areas important for wild collection

• Harvest management: Implementation of good collection practice guidelines

• Trade management: Reinforcement of area and resource management through national trade permit system

• Awareness &communications: Capacity building for local collectors, cooperatives, resource management, consumers

• National Legislation: Implementation of permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)

• Law & policy Compliance and enforcement: Enforcement of national permit system (Ministerial Decision 179/1, March 2012)

• Livelihood, economic & other incentives: Promotion of increased local benefits for collectors & cooperatives from implementation of good collection practice guidelines and management plans

Research /monitoring

Needed

Research: • Population size, distribution, trends and

regeneration characteristics: Confirm and expand baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project

• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Contribution of wild harvest of this species to local and national economy

• Threats: Confirmation / review of main threats identified • Area-based Management Plan: Presence of this

species in protected areas; review and adjustment of management plans in pilot sites; expansion to new sites

• Harvest &Trade Management Plan: Review whether a national permit system is effective as a harvest and trade management tool for wild collection of this species

• Yield and profile variability of the essential oil: according to season, geographic variation, wild and cultivation

Monitoring • Population trends: Trends in population structure and

density • Harvest level trends: Trend in harvest volume as an

indicator of sustainable levels of wild harvest • Trade trends: Volumes of wild vs cultivated material in

trade; domestic vs international trade as indicators of wild resource management

• Habitat trends: Rate of habitat conversion, decline throughout species range in Lebanon

National Management plan

or strategy in place

• Regulation of wild harvesting • National standard for sage




• Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material • Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable

harvest practices • Increase income generation for local communities from

value-added locally produced MAP products • Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between

communities) resource access and benefits • Development of cultivation protocols

23 | P a g e

Salvia fruticosa


Monitoring Indicators

• Changes in market supply (national, international) • Changes in market demand (national, international) • Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring

sites) • Change in national distribution • Implementation of good collection practice

Recommended practice for

sustainable wild collection

• A harvesting permit is required from Ministry of Agriculture

• Allowed harvesting time Mid June-End of October • Harvested once per season • Harvest all stems and all plants • Cut between 10-15 cm above ground • No uprooting • Use sharp cutting equipment to avoid uprooting • Avoid cutting in very hot and windy conditions

24 | P a g e

CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Origanum ehrenbergii Origanum ehrenbergii

Plant

Latin name Origanum ehrenbergii Boiss.

Synonyms None

Lebanese vernacular name

(s)

Al Zouwayba'a, Za'atar jordi, Za'atar-al-snawbar, Za'aytri

Other species included in this


What is collectively known as Za’atar in Lebanon refers to several species from the genus Origanum, Thymus, Satureja and Thymbra.

Common name(s)

Eng. Ehrenberg's Marjoram Fr. Origan d’Ehrenberger Germ. Ehrenbergerischer Majoram

Description (type and size of the

plant) and photo of the target

plant

• Type: Perennial chamaephyte (subshrub) (less dense

plants than O. syriacum) • Flowering: May-October • Height: up to 80 cm • Scent: zaatar acute thymol/carvacrol aromatic scent • Stem: Green Erected, wandlike, with longer internods,

Sparingly hairy below • Leaves: Bright green, ovate, obtuse, 1-2cm, Glandular

dotted • Inflorescence: less dense, less hairiness and more

extended than O. syriacum • Flower: White, calyx of regular 5 teeth, non bilabiated,

shorter than the bracts, Bracts ovate to oblong-spatulate, glandular dotted, Corolla tube 3 times longer than calyx


Origanum syriacum



Dried and ground leaves and flowers of O. ehrenbergii are locally added to or substituted for O. syriacum as a principal ingredient of Za'atar, a topping for traditional breads (Mankousheh). Fresh shoots are used in salads (Fattouch) or as a fresh topping on baked breads (Ftyreh). It is also used as a seasoning in traditional cuisine and in household remedies in Lebanon. In traditional medicine this species is not differentiated from co-occurring species of Origanum, Thymbra, and Thymus, known collectively as Za’atar in Lebanon. These species are traditionally used to stimulate memory, as analgesics and sedatives, and as remedies for cold, flu and cough, respiratory problems, hypotension, and a wide range of stomach and intestinal problems. These species are also used externally as emollients and antiseptic ointments.

25 | P a g e

Origanum ehrenbergii Plant part(s)

collected Entire shoot


Dried leaves and flowering shoots • Mixed with Origanum syriacum in the traditional zaatar

mix which includes sesame, sumac and salt etc. • Infusion • Distilled water • Essential oil

Tender shoots • Salads and baked local pies

Essential oil yield and profile

Yield: Whole leaves and flowers: 3.7% Ground leaves and flowers: 1% Profile 8 identified compounds constitute 90% of the oil while 6 additional compounds constitute the remaining 10%

Identified compound % Alfa tujene 0.75 Alfa pinene 0.93 Camphene 0.07 Beta myrcene 1.73 Cymene 14.83 Gamma terpinene 8.95 Thymol 50.07 Carvacrol 15.40 Caryophyllene 0.34

Use potential Limited



Trade is limited to local markets were the species occurs in the wild, wider use and trade has not been documented.

Market potential / value added

If significantly higher amounts of this species could be sustainably harvested from the wild or produced through cultivation, then it could make sense to consider the development of innovative value-added products for export promotion with a Lebanon geographical brand. This would require a significant scale-up due to the high quantities of fresh aerial parts that would be necessary for a commercial oil distillation operation for export promotion.


None

International quality and trade

standard

No known quality standards or trade specification in: • Australia • Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare) • EU • India • Switzerland • USA (Origanum oil, Spanish oil from Thymus capitatus &

various Origanum spp) & Oleoresin origanum)

26 | P a g e

Origanum ehrenbergii

Regulatory framework,

market access and


Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of the selected counties, although some lists non-specifically allow Origanum spp. which would indicate allowance to import and use in products. Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any ingredients made from Origanum ehrenbergii are commercially traded or actively used outside of its limited range of Lebanon. • Australia (O. majorana & O. vulgare) • Canada (Origanum spp. & O. vulagare) • EU (Origanum cretium, Origanum heracleoticum,

Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare) • India (O. majorana) • South Africa • Switzerland (O. majorana & O. vulagare) • USA (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare L. ssp.

hirtum; syn.: Origanum heracleoticum auct. non. L.)

Market potential Limited

Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

Medium risk (based on 2010 version) Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)


Cultivation is the recommended option but wild harvesting can be permitted under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system

with rigorous monitoring

Habitat and Ecology under wild conditions


Endemic to Lebanon


Mainly restricted to pine forest on sandy soils from the coast to 2000 m asl on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon Governorates in Lebanon. Estimated to occupy between 40-130 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 150 km2

Habitat Description

(Type, specificity)

Dense pine, clear pine, and grassland land cover on sand and calcareous soils, dolomitic sand, and sandy soils in Thermomediterranean, Eumediterranean, Supramediterranean and Mountainous Mediterranean vegetation levels between 0 and 2000 m asl.

Development stages

The plant is suffrutescent with an annual easonal cycle which starts at the woody base parts during early spring with the development of the tender shoots. Flowering is initiated during April-May. The harvest is done in June. Later the species is shifts to slow growth with secondary blooming appearing under Mediterranean climate until the first significant rains of the autumn. This seasonality is allowing one main harvest during late spring early summer.

National population

characteristics (Estimated size, density, size or

age-class structure)

Estimated density: 0.065 plants/m2 Estimated population size: 2,600,000




27 | P a g e

Origanum ehrenbergii Population

Regeneration No data available



Habitat loss: Existing scattered subpopulations of this plant species are likely declining in size, area, extent, and number of locations primarily due to conversion of limited suitable habitat for development of sand quarries and expansion of agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential development, particularly near the coast. Habitat degradation: Forest, scrubland, and grassland habitats are subject to ongoing degradation from uncontrolled grazing of goats and increasing incidence and intensity of fire, particularly in pine forest vegetation. Unsustainable wild harvesting: There is direct pressure on this species from wild harvest of shoots and flowers for local use in traditional foods and medicines. Climate change: The eastern Mediterranean is considered to be a region with high exposure to the effects of climate change. O. ehrenbergii has some traits (rarity and habitat specificity) that contribute to high sensitivity to climate change impacts, although its adaptability to several vegetation types and the buffering effects of forest may reduce its vulnerability to climate change impacts (increasing periods of drought, elevated temperatures, and extreme weather events).

Conservation status

IUCN Red List Assessment: VU - Vulnerable, B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) (IUCN version 3.1)


Its observed and predicted distribution may overlap with several protected areas in Lebanon (Jabel el Qariqif Forest Reserve, Shouf UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve and Jabal Al Rihane UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve. It may be present in at least three proposed Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (Tannourine, Keserwan, Rihane, but less likely in a fourth, Mount Hermel) described by Radford et al. (2011). No ex-situ collections are documented in botanic gardens or seed/gene banks (BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).


• Site/area protection: Identification of existing or designation of new protected areas in which this species occurs.

• Resource & habitat protection: Identification or designation of new protected areas that include sandy soil substrates under pine forest

• Site/area management: Control of goat grazing to balance reduction of direct impacts of grazing with improved fire management in pine forests

• Harvest management: Encouragement of local management of O. ehrenbergii harvest timing and intensity to promote pollination and seed dispersal.

• Ex-situ conservation: Establishment of ex situ collections based on intraspecific genetic diversity in situ.

• Awareness & communications: Promote awareness of conservation and management actions required by protected areas, forest, and community resource

28 | P a g e

Origanum ehrenbergii managers

• National level Law & policy: Development and enforcement of local, forest, and protected areas management plans that include this species

Research /monitoring

Needed

Research: • Population size, distribution, trends and regeneration

characteristics: Confirm and expand baseline established by UNDP-GEF-LARI MAP project

• Harvest, use & livelihoods: Confirmation that use is primarily local, small-scale

• Threats: Particular focus on monitoring effects of grazing and fire

• Actions: Presence of this species in existing and proposed protected areas.

• Plant biochemical composition: Better knowledge of species biochemical composition

• Plant Biology: Plants, seeds and populations biology, cycles phonological stages, etc.

• Area-based Management Plan: Inclusion of subpopulations of this species and predicted habitat in protected and other managed natural areas

Monitoring: • Population trends: Trends in population structure and

density • Harvest level trends: Establishment of practical

indicators of change in harvest intensity • Habitat trends: Continued monitoring of habitat

conversion and degradation near the Lebanon coast, and expansion of such monitoring to other areas of Lebanon

National Management

plan or strategy in place

None




• Ex situ conservation to maintain a healthy and viable gene bank

• Replace destructive harvest practices with sustainable harvest practices

• Development of cultivation protocols Recommended

National Monitoring Indicators

• Change in national distribution • Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring sites) • Changes in market supply (national, international) • Changes in market demand (national, international)



To be developed based on rigorous assessments, investigation and surveys of the species

29 | P a g e

CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Althaea damascena Althaea damascena

Plant

Latin name Althaea damascena - Mouterd Synonyms Alcea damascena Lebanese vernacular

name(s)

Khetmiyeh Dimachq, خاتمية دمشقي

Other species included in Lebanese

vernacular name

Khetmiyeh group (Alcea setosa, Alcea pallida)

Common name(s)

Eng. Damascus Hollyhock; Fr. Guimauve de damas; Germ. Stockrose


plant) and photo of the target

plant

• Type: Perennial, tall herb • Flowering: May-September • Height: up to more than 1m • Scent: Non-odiferous • Stem: Grayish, simple, tomentous • Leaves: Large, segmented, canescent, dense hairiness • Inflorescence: fleshy spike • Flower: White, carpels pubescent, smooth seeds,

calycle less than 1/3 of the calyx Identification

problems Alcea pallida



Dried flowers of A. damascena are mainly admixed with dried leaves and flowers of other plant species taken as an infusion known in Lebanon as Zhourat. Dried flowers are used similarly in Unani medicine, in particular as a component of herbal tea known as Zahraa, popular in Syria as a digestive and to promote good health (Carmona et al. 2005).


Flowers


• Flowers: they are dried and used to prepare tisane mixtures in Syria and Lebanon.

• Tisane: the infusions of the dried flowers material is used alone or in mixtures for medicinal purposes.

• Petals: are used to make a refreshing herbal tea as well as a part of tisane mixtures.


Not available

Use Potential Limited

30 | P a g e

Althaea damascena



Trade levels and values are difficult to confirm because this species is known to be used interchangeably with other related species native to Lebanon (including Alcea digitata and A. setosa ) as well as cultivated A. rosea, which share the common name Khatmieh.


If production levels are significantly increased, new innovative products for the local market as well as for export promotion to neighboring countries could be envisaged. In that scenario, it could be interesting to develop and brand finished herbal tea products that contain Alcea damascena as a component of identified folk- or traditional (Unani) medicinal herbal teas, but with a Lebanese geographic origin designation.


None

International quality and trade standard

Only one species of Alcea (Alcea rosea; syn.: Althaea rosea) has existing standards in selected countries • Australia (Alcea rosea) • EU (Alcea rosea) • India • Switzerland (Alcea rosea) • USA

Regulatory framework, market

access and requirements for

export

Only one species of Alcea (Alcea rosea; syn.: Althaea rosea) is expressly listed or approved for certain uses, and only in some countries. • Australia (Alcea rosea) • Canada • EU (Alcea rosea) • India • Pakistan (Alcea rosea) • South Africa (Alcea rosea & Alcea officinalis) • Switzerland • Syria (Alcea damascene used in Zahraa) • USA (Alcea rosea)

Market potential Limited Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting

Medium risk (based on 2010 version) Medium risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)


Cultivation is the recommended option but cultivation can be permitted under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system

with rigorous monitoring


conditions


Lebanon Syrian Arab Republic


Abandoned agricultural land, near roadsides and villages, in dry, marginal areas with Presteppic Mediterranean vegetation below 1500 m asl in the northern Bekaa valley in Lebanon and adjacent areas in Syria, In dryland areas mainly concentrated between Baalbak and Hermel (no plants were found south of Baalbak). Found along the anti mountain Lebanon chain but more concentrated on the eastern side of the mount Lebanon chain. Estimated to occupy between 5-300 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 67 km2


Bare rock, bare soil and grassland land cover, Presteppic supramediterranean and Mediterranean

31 | P a g e

Althaea damascena presteppic vegetation levels at elevations below 1500 m asl in Lebanon.

Development stages

The plant is a cryptophyte, during winter an underground part remains while the aerial part dries completely. In early spring the vegetative cycle starts with basal wide leaves development as a stemless plant that prepares the nutritional stock for blooming later in late spring. Then the plant develops flowering stems but with reduced size leaves due to water stress. After seed set, this aerial part dries.

National population characteristics (Estimated size,

density, size or age-class structure)

Average density of 0.07 plants/m2 Estimated population size: 371,000



• Bisexual flowers • Mainly insect pollinated • Population regenerates only through seeds • Average Reproductive Age: 2 years


No data available



Flowers are collected for medicinal use, but there is currently no indication that the volume, time, or manner of harvest threatens the survival of this species. Although the natural Presteppic Mediterranean habitat is under pressure of conversion to agriculture, this species appears to establish successfully in abandoned fields and margins Habitat degradation: Intensification of agriculture and grazing may reduce the suitable habitat for this species over time. Climate change: Although this species may not be particularly sensitive to climate change effects the increasing incidence and intensity of drought in the eastern Mediterranean region may reduce habitat suitability and reproductive success over the long term.

Conservation status IUCN Red List Assessment: LC - Least Concern, (IUCN version 3.1)


The species distribution appears with the Yammouneh Nature Reserve. It may be present in two proposed Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Hermel and Aarsal; Radford et al. 2011). It is not reported in botanic garden or other ex situ collections (BGCI 2013, Bioversity International 2013).


• Captive breeding/artificial propagation: Promotion of local domestication.

• Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ management of intraspecific genetic diversity in Lebanon and Syria

• Linked enterprises & livelihood alternatives: Promote local monitoring of resource abundance and availability in relation to market trends

32 | P a g e

Althaea damascena

Research /monitoring Needed

Research: • Population size, distribution, trends and


• Harvest, use & livelihoods: trends in market demand, local benefits, resource availability



Monitoring: • Population trends: Trends in population structure

and density • Harvest level trends: Monitor to detect large

increased in commercial demand for products that include flowers of this species

National Management plan or strategy in

place

None

Recommended National Management

objectives




• Development of cultivation protocols

Recommended National Monitoring

Indicators

• Change in national distribution • Harvested biomass and quality (national

monitoring sites) • Changes in market supply (national, international) • Changes in market demand (national,

international) Recommended

practice for sustainable wild

collection


33 | P a g e

CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Cyclotrichium origanifolium Cyclotrichium origanifolium

Plant

Latin name Cyclotrichium origanifolium - (Labill.) Manden. & Scheng.

Synonyms Calamintha origanifolia (Labill.) Boiss., Clinopodium origanifolium Labill.

Lebanese vernacular name(s)

Hashishet El-Basha, Hashishet El-Jabal, Hashishet El-Bahsa, Na'ana'iyyé, Hashishat-al-daght, Ishbet sannine, Ishbet mar Simaan.

Other species included in Lebanese vernacular name

None

Common name(s) Eng. Marjoram-leaved calamint; Fr. calamenthe a feuilles d’origan; erm Bergminze


the target plant

• Type: small shrub (chamaephyte), Woody thick rootstock and trunk, highly ramified

• Flowering: June-September • Height: 20-40 cm • Scent: Highly Odoriferous “minty” smell • Stem: Grayish, slender, erect, flexuous, glabrous

or appressed velvety • Leaves: Light Green, hairy, suborbicular to ovate,

6-10 mm • Inflorescence: whorls spaced, multiflore, short

peduncled • Flower: corolla pink, tube scarcely exerted, bracts

acuminate, as long as calyx, calyx 5 mm with uneven teeth


Confusion with other species of Lamiaceae family (clinopodium, Micromeria, etc.). But at that altitude of its distribution these species are absent. So confusion may occur if people think that it can be present at lower elevations.


Use (scale and trend) Use of this species is primarily limited to local, traditional use in Lebanon

Plant part(s) collected Entire shoot


Infusions and liquors prepared from leaves and flowers of related members of this genus the mint family are considered to have diaphoretic, expectorant, hypotensive, antihelmintic, antispasmodic and carminative properties. Essential oil is used as an ointment to treat anxiety, bruises, muscle pain, headache, and stomachache

34 | P a g e

Cyclotrichium origanifolium • Essential oil: essential oil water is extracted from

the aerial part and used locally. • Liquor: liquor is prepared from aerial parts.

According to the surveys it needs considerable amounts of plant material.

• Tisane: it is prepared from aerial flowering parts and used mainly on household level.

• Flavoring agent: the species is used with C. niveum as flavoring agent in soups and salads in Turkey.


D-Menthone (34.33%), 3-Pinanone (21.20%), Menthol isomer (11.94%), Pulegone (14.16%) (GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013) Pulegone 22.5%, isomenthone 12.2%, isopulegone 5.8%, piperitenon 9.6%, piperitone 6.9%, cardinal 4.0% as main constituents (Formisano et al., 2007).

Use potential Limited


Trade (scale and trend) Trade in local markets has been observed, but wider use and trade has not been documented


Outside of micro- or small enterprises, there would hardly be an economy of scale to justify new product development at this annual level of raw material availability. If sustainable scaling up is deemed possible, new innovative products for the local market as well as for export promotion could be envisaged. In that scenario, it could be interesting to develop and brand finished herbal tea products as well as essential oils for aromatherapy with a Lebanese geographic origin designation innovative value-added products, including the essential oil for food uses (e.g. flavor component in liqueurs) and/or medicinal uses (e.g. for aromatherapy inhalant use or topical application in creams or ointments).


None


No known quality standards or trade specification in: • Australia • EU • India • Switzerland • USA

Regulatory framework, market access and


Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of the selected counties. Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any ingredients made from Cyclotrichium origanifolium are commercially traded or actively used outside of its limited range of Lebanon and Turkey

• Australia • Canada • EU • India • South Africa (Calamintha nepeta & Calamintha

officinalis & Calamintha sylvatica) • Switzerland • USA

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Cyclotrichium origanifolium Use potential Limited Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

High risk (based on 2010 version) High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)


Cultivation

Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild harvesting

Habitat and Ecology under wild conditions


Lebanon Turkey


Occurs on stony slopes in rocky habitats at elevations between 1900 and 2600 m asl along the eastern boundaries of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon Estimated to occupy between 6-70 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 70 km2


Occupies areas of bare rock, bare soil and grassland land cover in the Oromediterranean vegetation level at 1900-2600 m asl, on flat, S, SW, W, NW, and N slopes, and on the following soil types: gravel and massive landslide, stones and bare rocks, yellowish mountain soil, and white greyish soil. Grows in eroded gravel and gullies on open slopes where there is little other vegetation. The distribution of this taxon in isolated patches on high, bare, rocky terrain suggests it is a member of a relict boreal flora.

Development stages

As a small shrub (chamaephyte), the woody thick rootstock develops highly ramified aerial green part after snow melt (April-May). Then flowers emerge in June until September. Then after seed set the plant endures again another cold winter thereby loosing the viability of its annual aerial parts while keeping its woody basis to survive the cold winter.



• Estimated density: 0.5 plants/m2 • Estimated population size: 2,750,000 plants





Project germination test showed an average germination rate of 0.19% using top soils from the plants natural habitats and 0% germination with using normal soil.

Conservation and

Management


Climate change: C. origanifoium has several traits that indicate high sensitivity and low adaptability to climate change impacts: specialised habitat requirements, narrow environmental tolerance, rarity, and barriers to dispersal that include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of pollen and seed. Bare rocky slopes at high elevations are particularly exposed to drought and elevated temperatures, and the Eastern Mediterranean is considered to have particularly high exposure to the effects of climate change. Habitat degradation: Disturbance of limited habitat and grazing effects by nomadic goat herds on habitat quality may have a direct impact on viability of subpopulations of this species, as there is little alternative fodder at high

36 | P a g e

Cyclotrichium origanifolium elevations. Habitat loss: Tourism infrastructure (primarily for alpine skiing) has been developed in at least one location where a subpopulation of this species occurs. Unsustainable wild harvesting; Wild collection of flowering shoots for local medicinal use may depress regeneration of subpopulations, but likely only in sites accessible by road or near settlements.

Conservation status IUCN Red List Assessment: EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) (IUCN version 3.1)


The species distribution appears to occur Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, the Arz Bcharreh Protection / Protected Zone, and the Foret des Cedres de Dieu Forest Reserve where these include suitable habitat. It may be present in two proposed Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Makmel and Sannine-Knaisseh; Radford et al. 2011). Accessions from Lebanon are held ex situ by the Millennium Seed Bank (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 2008), and are reported in one botanic garden (BGCI 2013).


• Site/area protection: Identification of existing or designation of new protected areas in which this species naturally occurs.

• Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of grazing in this habitat and on this species

• Harvest management: Monitor trends and impacts of wild collection on wild subpopulations

• Trade management: Monitor trends in use and trade. • Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ

management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this species.

• Awareness &Communications: Key species for national public education and awareness of climate change impacts.

• National level Legislation: Development of national threatened species list and legislation to protect these species and their habitats

Research /Monitoring Needed

Research: • Population size, distribution & trends: Confirm

baseline data established by GEF-UNDP-LARI (2013) • Threats: Confirm and monitor, with a particular focus

on monitoring effects of climate change • Area-based Management Plan: Impacts of nomadic

goat grazing and development of recreational infrastructure on species in this habitat



37 | P a g e

Cyclotrichium origanifolium Monitoring: • Population trends: Trends in population structure

and density • Habitat trends: Confirm and monitor impacts of

grazing and recreational infrastructure National Management

plan or strategy in place

None

Recommended National Management

objectives






Indicators

• Change in national distribution • Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring

sites) • Changes in market supply (national, international) • Changes in market demand (national, international)



Not recommended for wild harvesting

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CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze

Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze

Plant

Latin name Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze

Synonyms Micromeria libanotica Lebanese vernacular

name(s) Zoufa lubnan; Shummaysah lubnāniyyah ,زوفى لبنانية



Zoufa group (Micromeria myrtifolia, Micromeria greaga, Micromeria juliana)

Common name(s) Eng. Lebanon Savory; Fr. Micromerie libanaise; Germ. Lebanischer Ysop

Description (type and size of the plant)

and photo of the target plant

• Type: Low herb (hemicryptophyte) Woody rootstock • Flowering: June-September • Height: 5-20 cm • Scent: Slightly odoferous • Stem: filiform, brittle, erect, canescent color, woolly • Leaves: Light Green, hairy, sessile, orbicular to

ovate, obtuse 0.5-1.2 cm • Inflorescence: whorls short peduncled, loosely

racemed • Flower: Pink,tubular, Calyx non feathery purpurish,

Calyx ¼ -1/5 the tube. Corolla 0.45 cm. 1.5 longer than calyx


None



Investigation of the commercial potential of this species is based on the commercial value of related species in the genus Micromeria (e.g. M. myrtifolia and M. barbata) used in traditional medicine in Lebanon and the possibility of confusion with these more common species. However, there is little likelihood that this species is currently in use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for related medicinally-used species. The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution, small biomass and short flowering season in the high mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use


None

Plant part(s) used / Potential end

products

None

39 | P a g e

Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze


Yield: traces Main components: Limoneme (55%) and Bicyclogermacrene (28%) (GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013) Monoterpene ketones isomenthone (44.5%), pulegone (13.5%) and isopulegone (6.5%) (Diab et al., 2005).

Use potential No use reported / identified Market potential assessment


There is little likelihood that this species is currently in use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for related medicinally-used species. The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution, small biomass and short flowering season in the high mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use.


None


None


No known quality standards or trade specification in: • Australia • EU • India • Switzerland • USA

Regulatory framework, market access and requirements for export

Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of the selected counties. Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any ingredients made from Micromeria libanotica are commercially traded or actively used in the following countries • Australia • Canada • EU (Micromeria chamissonis) • India • South Africa • Switzerland • Syria (Micromeria myrtifolia used in Zahraa) • USA

Market potential No market reported / identified

Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

High risk (based on 2010 version) High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN Redlist status)



Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation


conditions


Endemic to Lebanon


Occurs infrequently along the rocky summit ridge of the Mount Lebanon mountains along the eastern boundaries of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon Governorates from one side, and western boundary of Bekaa Governorate from the other side at elevations between 2200 and 2800 m asl.

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Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze Estimated to occupy between 1-35 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 150 km2


Clear grassland and bare rock land cover in Oromediterranean and Presteppic Oromediterranean vegetation levels on east-facing slopes with yellowish mountain soils at 2200-2800 m asl. Grows in shallow substrates in rock fissures (cenomanian porous rocks), preferring sunny exposures on east-facing slopes. The distribution of this taxon in small, isolated patches on high, bare, east-facing rocks suggests it is a member of a relict boreal flora.

Development stages Project observations showed an annual development of a shallow green biomass of less than 20 cm emerging from a basic relatively thick woody stump. The woody base survives the cold winters at such altitude while the annual green biomass is renewed yearly on a seasonal basis.



Estimated density: 0.44 plants/ m2 Estimated population size: 440,000 individuals

Size class Tuft diameter % contribution

Size Class A 0-10 stems / plant 62.90 Size Class B 11-20 stems/plant 21.43 Size Class C 21-30 stems/plant 8.75 Size Class D 31-40 stems/plant 2.99 Size Class E 41-50 stems/plant 2.41 Size Class F 51-60 stems/plant 0.36 Size Class G 61-70 stems/plant 0.29 Size Class H 71-80 stems/plant 0.44 Size Class I 81-90 stems/plant 0.22 Size Class J 91-100 stems/plant 62.90





Not known



There does not appear to be significant targeted pressure from wild collection: it is unlikely that the leaves are substituted for more common, medicinally-used related species (e.g., Micromeria spp.) because of the inaccessibility of the habitat, small biomass, and short flowering period. Climate change: C. libanoticum has several traits that likely contribute to high sensitivity and low adaptability to climate change impacts: specialized microhabitat requirements, rarity, and barriers to dispersal that include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of pollen and seed Habitat loss & degradation: The natural habitat of this species (i.e. dry, rocky outcrops on East-facing mountain

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Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze tops in Lebanon) is subject to pressure from nomadic grazing of goats and increasing exposure to the effects of climate change, including drought, elevated temperatures, and extreme weather.

Conservation status IUCN Red List Assessment: EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) (IUCN version 3.1)


The species distribution appears to overlap with Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve and in the Arz Bcharreh Protection / Protected Zone and the Foret des Cedres de Dieu Forest Reserve May be present in at least three proposed Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Makmel, Sannine-Knaisseh, and Aarsal; Radford et al. 2011) Does not appear to be included in ex situ collections (BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).


Site/area protection: Identification of existing or designation of new protected areas in which this species naturally occurs. Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of grazing in this habitat and on this species Site/area management: Management of grazing; management of protected areas in which this species naturally occurs. Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this species. Awareness &Communications: Awareness and public education of climate change impacts. National level Legislation: Development of national threatened species list and legislation to protect these species and their habitats

Research / monitoring Needed

Research • Population size, distribution, trends and


• Threats: Particular focus on monitoring the effects of climate change

• Area-based Management Plan: Management of nomadic goat grazing in this habitat



Monitoring • Population trends: Trends in population structure

and density • Habitat trends: Particular focus on monitoring the

effects of climate change on microhabitat of this species

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Clinopodium libanoticum - (Boiss.) Kuntze National

Management plan or strategy in place

None



In-situ and ex-situ conservation of the species to maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be utilized if use and market assessment showed higher potential in the future


Indicators

• Changes in national distribution • Change density (national monitoring sites) • Changes in market demand (national, international)




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CONSERVATION GUIDELINES Viola libanotica Viola libanotica

Plant

Latin name Viola libanotica Synonyms None Lebanese

vernacular name(s) Banafsaj lubnānī, Banafsaj


vernacular name

Banafsaj groups; Viola odorata

Common name(s) Eng. Lebanon Violet, Sweet violet; Fr. Violette du liban ; Germ. Lebanische Veilchen


plant) and photo of the target plant

• Type: Low stemless chamaephyte (subshrub),

Woody, thick root, Cespitous tufted plant, in numerous woody stumps

• Flowering: May-July • Height: 5-10 cm • Scent: Slightly odoriferous • Stem: Green, not ramified, upper part of the stem

with few leaves • Leaves: Green, 1-2 cm, Limb rhomboid or ovate

(kidney like shape), Stipules ovate-lanceolate, short fringed. long very thin petiole, Glabrous, coriace, not cordate basis, coarse toothed to crenelate

• Inflorescence: Inflorescence in 1-2 scapes. Bracteoles setaceous distant from flowers

• Flower: Pale violet or white flowers, Capsule wooly or smooth and globular, Spur longer than sepal appendages

Identification

problems May be confused with the more common Viola odorata


identified


There is little likelihood that this species is currently in use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for related medicinally-used species native to Lebanon. The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution, small biomass, and short flowering season in the mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use


None

Plant part(s) used / Potential end

products

None

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Viola libanotica


Yield: Traces (GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013) Main components: Carvone (87%) & Pulegone (13%) (GEF-UNDP-LARI 2013)

Use potential No use reported / identified



There is little likelihood that this species is currently in use and trade on its own merits or as a substitute for related medicinally-used species native to Lebanon. The restricted and relatively inaccessible distribution, small biomass, and short flowering season in the mountains of Lebanon do not support popular use.


None


None


No known quality standards or trade specification in: • Australia (other viola sps.) • EU (Viola tricolor, Viola arvensis & other viola sps.) • India • Switzerland (other viola sps.) • USA

Regulatory framework, market

access and requirements for

export

Does not appear on any national positive lists of any of the selected counties, although some lists allow other species of Viola. Almost no evidence was found to demonstrate that any ingredients made from Viola libanotica are commercially traded or actively used. • Australia(Viola odorata, Viola tricolor, Viola

yedoensis) • Canada (Viola sps., Viola odorata, Viola tricolor) • EU (Viola odorata, Viola tricolor, Viola yedoensis,

Viola arvensis) • India (Viola canescens, Viola cinerea, Viola odorata,

Viola pilosa) • South Africa (Viola odorata) • Switzerland (Viola tricolor, Viola odorata) • USA (Viola cuculiata, Viola odorata, Viola sororia,

Viola tricolor, Viola yedoensis, Viola calcarata) Market potential No market reported / identified Suitability for sustainable wild harvesting Assessment

High risk (based on 2010 version) High risk (based on 2011 Version and new IUCN redlist status)



Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation


conditions


Endemic to Lebanon


Occurring in rocky Mediterranean shrubland habitats at elevations between 1900 and 2400 m asl across the western slopes of Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon. The observed restricted distribution of this taxon in high, rocky microhabitats suggests a relict Mediterranean boreal flora Estimated to occupy between 12-45 km2 from the estimated suitable habitat range of 120 km2

45 | P a g e

Viola libanotica


Clear grassland land cover and Mountainous Mediterranean and Oromediterranean vegetation levels on west-facing slopes at 1900-2400 m asl with yellowish mountain, greyey, and white greyish soils. Tufts comprising several individual plants grow in shady patches of organic material and moisture in the dry, rocky terrain.

Development stages

The plant has a short cycle, it develops seasonal green biomass emerging from the basal woody stump after snow melt (April-May). The flowering phase is relatively short and later the plants endured summer water stress. Several months during winter plants are covered by snow



Estimated density: 0.026 tuft/m2 Average 2,750 stems/m2 of tufts Average 300 stems/tuft Estimated population size: 312,000

Size class Tuft diameter % contribution

Size Class A 0-0.2 m2 96.73 Size Class B 0.2-0.4 m2 2.30 Size Class C 0.4-0.6 m2 0.48 Size Class D 0.6-0.8 m2 0.24 Size Class E 0.8-1 m2 0.12 Size Class F 1-1.2 m2 0.12



• Bisexual flowers • Mainly regenerates vegetatively but possible through

seeds


Not known



Recent field surveys indicate that there is not significant targeted pressure from wild collection: it is unlikely that the flowers are substituted for the more widely distributed, commercially important species V. odorata because of the inaccessibility of the habitat, small available biomass, and short flowering period (UNDP-LARI 2013). Climate change: V. libanotica has several traits that likely contribute to high sensitivity and low adaptability to climate change impacts: specialized microhabitat requirements, rarity, and barriers to dispersal that include limited suitable habitat and limited dispersal of pollen and seed. Habitat loss & degradation: The natural habitat of this species (i.e. dry, rocky outcrops on West-facing mountain tops in Lebanon) is subject to pressure from nomadic grazing of goats and increasing exposure to the effects of climate change, including drought, elevated temperatures, and extreme weather events.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List Assessment: EN - Endangered, B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) (IUCN version 3.1)

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Viola libanotica


The species distribution appears Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, the Arz Bcharreh Protection/Protected Zone, and the Foret des Cedres de Dieu Forest Reserve It may be present in at least two proposed Important Plant Areas in Lebanon (Mount Makmel and Sannine-Knaisseh; Radford et al. 2011) Does not appear to be included in ex situ collections (BGCI 2013, Biodiversity International 2013).


Site/area protection: Identification of existing or designation of new protected areas in which this species naturally occurs. Resource & habitat Protection: Control impacts of grazing in this habitat and on this species Site/area management: Management of grazing; management of protected areas in which this species naturally occurs. Ex-situ conservation: Collection and ex situ management of intraspecific genetic diversity of this species. Awareness &Communications: Awareness and public education of climate change impacts. National level Legislation: Development of national threatened species list and legislation to protect these species and their habitats

Research / Monitoring Needed

Research • Population size, distribution, trends and


• Threat: Particular focus on monitoring exposure and effects of climate change on microhabitat required by this species

• Area-based Management Plan: Management of nomadic goat grazing in this habitat


Monitoring • Population trends: Trends in population structure

and density • Habitat trends: Particular focus on monitoring the

exposure and effects of climate change on microhabitat of this species

National Management plan or

strategy in place

None



In situ and ex situ conservation of the species to maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be utilized if use and market assessment showed higher potential in the future

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Viola libanotica Recommended

National Monitoring Indicators

• Changes in national distribution • Change density (national monitoring sites) • Changes in market demand (national, international




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SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT TARGET SPECIES Species

Use

pot

entia

l

Mar

ket

pote

ntia

l

Suita

bilit

y fo

r w

ild h

arve

stin

g Recommended Production method

Recommended National Management objectives

Recommended National Monitoring Indicators

Recommended practice for sustainable wild collection

Origanum syriacum

Hig

h

Hig

h

Low

risk



• Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material


• Increase income generation for local communities from value-added locally produced MAP products

• Increase quality controlled, sustainably harvested MAP products that are certified and branded

• Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between communities) resource access and benefits

• Increase community-based management of wild-collected resources

• Changes in market supply (national, international)

• Changes in market demand (national, international)

• Harvested biomass and quality (national monitoring sites)

• Change in national distribution

• Implementation of good collection practice

Sustainable wild harvesting criteria stipulated in Ministerial decision 1/179 (2012)

49 | P a g e

Species

Use

pot

entia

l

Mar

ket

pote

ntia

l

Suita

bilit

y fo

r w

ild h

arve

stin





Salvia fruiticosa

Hig

h

Hig

h

Low

Ris

k



• Maintain or increase the quality of harvested material


• Increase income generation for local communities from value-added locally produced MAP products

• Reduce conflicts (between collectors, between communities) resource access and benefits






• Implementation of good collection practice

Sustainable wild harvesting criteria stipulated in Ministerial decision 1/179 (2012)

50 | P a g e

Species

Use

pot

entia

l

Mar

ket

pote

ntia

l

Suita

bilit

y fo

r w

ild h

arve

stin





Origanum ehrenbergii

Lim

ited

Lim

ited

Med

ium

Ris

k

Cultivation is the recommended option but wild harvesting can be permitted under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system with rigorous monitoring










Althaea damascena

Lim

ited

Lim

ited

Med

ium

Ris

k

Cultivation is the recommended option but cultivation can be permitted under very strict sustainability standards within a regulatory permit system with rigorous monitoring










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Species

Use

pot

entia

l

Mar

ket

pote

ntia

l

Suita

bilit

y fo

r w

ild h

arve

stin





Cyclotrichium origanifolium

Lim

ited

Lim

ited

Hig

h R

isk

Cultivation Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild harvesting










Clinopodium libanoticum

No

use

repo

rted

/ id

entif

ied

No

mar

ket

repo

rted

/ id

entif

ied

Hig

h R

isk

Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild harvesting Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation

In-situ and ex-situ conservation of the species to maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be utilized if use and market assessment showed higher potential in the future

• Changes in national distribution

• Change density (national monitoring sites)



Viola libanotica

No

use

repo

rted

/ id

entif

ied

No

mar

ket

repo

rted

/ id

entif

ied

Hig

h R

isk

Not recommended for wild harvesting due to high risk of unsustainable wild harvesting Not recommended for cultivation due to market/use limitation

In situ and ex situ conservation of the species to maintain a healthy and viable gene bank that can be utilized if use and market assessment showed higher potential in the future

• Changes in national distribution

• Change density (national monitoring sites)

• Changes in market demand (national, international


conservation guideline for medicinal and aromatic … and environment/p… · conservation...

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